Lung Cancer Screening with PRP Imaging

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) offers free low-dose CT scans to eligible Australians without symptoms, aiming to find lung cancer early — when it’s easiest to treat. Most lung cancers are found too late, but this program is expected to save 12,000 lives over the next 10 years by detecting over 70% of cases at an earlier stage.

Yes. If you’re eligible for the program, the scan is fully covered by Medicare and there is no out-of-pocket cost.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 50–70 years old
• Show no signs of symptoms of lung cancer (for example coughing up blood, shortness of breath)
• Have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking and are still smoking or have quit in the past 10 years.
• Your doctor can help you work out your ‘pack-years’ based on how many cigarettes you smoked and for how many years.
• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident

You’ll need to check your eligibility through the National Cancer Screening Register or by speaking with your GP.

You can check your eligibility by visiting https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp or talk to your GP who can assess you for referral.

A pack-year measures how much you’ve smoked over time.

• One pack-year means smoking 20 cigarettes (1 pack) a day for one year.
• If you smoke 10 cigarettes a day for 6 years, that’s 3 pack-years.
• If you smoke 15 cigarettes a day for 40 years, that’s 30 pack-years.

It helps doctors understand your lung cancer risk.

Once you’re confirmed as eligible and referred by your GP, you can book online or call your nearest PRP Imaging clinic. Make sure to have your referral ready.

Yes. To participate in the NLCSP and access a free scan, your GP must refer you after completing the eligibility assessment.

You’ll undergo a low-dose CT scan, which is:

• Fast (under 10 minutes)
• Non-invasive
• Painless

No fasting or preparation is needed. Just bring your Medicare card and referral.

While you may not qualify for the free NLCSP scan, you can still talk to your GP about your lung health. If you have symptoms or risk factors, your GP can refer you for a standard diagnostic lung CT scan (fees may apply).

The NLCSP is for people without symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms, you should see your GP immediately to discuss a diagnostic scan, which can be arranged separately from the screening program.

Yes. PRP Imaging offers private low-dose CT lung scans with a valid referral from your doctor. Please contact us to learn more about costs and booking.

PRP Imaging offers lung screening CT scans at select clinics across NSW. Check our clinic finder to locate your nearest eligible site.

Tell them you are a lung cancer screening participant. Please let the radiology clinic know if you need any additional support to help you attend the appointment. For example, if you may need help getting onto the table, or if you would like an interpreter.

Yes. Most PRP Imaging locations offer onsite or nearby parking. See your specific location for details, search our locations here.

Your results will be sent to your GP or referring practitioner, who will discuss them with you and arrange follow-up if needed.

If you’re eligible, the program allows for annual screening if your risk continues. Your GP and the screening register will guide you on future appointments.

If you’re eligible, you can have a free scan every two years with a referral from your doctor. If your scan shows anything unusual, you might need checks more often.

Even if your results are clear, it’s important to return when you’re due — regular scans help find any changes early. Talk to your GP about looking after your lung health between screenings.

While lung screening is safe and can save lives, there are a few things to be aware of:

• False alarms: About 3 in 100 people may have a spot that looks suspicious but isn’t cancer. More tests may be needed to confirm.
• Feeling anxious: It’s normal to feel worried before or after a scan. Most spots found (over 95%) are not cancer. Talk to your GP if you need support.
• Slow-growing cancers: Some cancers found may never cause harm. This is called overdiagnosis and happens in about 1 in 30 cases.
• Other findings: The scan may show other health issues like heart disease or lung conditions. You might be asked to see your GP for follow-up.
• Radiation: The scan uses a very small amount of radiation — it’s safe and much less than everyday natural exposure over a year.

Screening is designed to help, but your doctor can talk you through any concerns.

Lung screening is for people without symptoms. If you have any of the signs below, you may need different tests — so please see your doctor right away:

• A new or ongoing cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Ongoing tiredness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest or shoulder pain that won’t go away

Even if your last scan was clear or you’re not due for another yet, don’t wait, talk to your GP.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a program for people who meet the age and smoking history criteria below and do not have symptoms, aiming to find lung cancer at an early stage.

Research has found that screening benefits people who are between 50 and 70 years old, show no signs or symptoms that suggest lung cancer, smoke tobacco cigarettes or have quit within the last 10 years and have a history of long-term cigarette smoking. For more information, see the ‘Why am I not eligible for lung cancer screening?’ resource. You may be eligible in future so keep checking with your doctor.

Find out more about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.